Wednesday, October 21, 2009

MY HIGH SCHOOL ART CLASSES ARE HOLDING A FUNDRASIER FROM OCTOBER 21ST-NOVEMBER 3RD. WE WILL BE SELLING YANKEE CANDLE ITEMS WHICH WILL ARRIVE IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. THE PURPOSE OF THE FUNDRAISER IS TO RAISE MONEY TO REPLACE EQUIPTMENT AS WELL AS REPLENISH SUPPLIES. CATALOGS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ORDERING IN THE CAFETERIA UNTIL 11/3. ESPECIALLY WITH THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THE FUTURE BEING SO UNCERTAIN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ALL SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Friday, October 16, 2009

FOR YOUR WHEEL THROWING PROJECT YOU WILL NOT NEED TO TURN IN ANY PAPERWORK EXCEPT FOR A RUBRIC. (JUST LIKE THE PINCH POT PROJECT) YOU WILL PRODUCE A MINIMUM OF THREE PIECES FOLLOWING THE PROCESS THAT WAS PRESENTED IN THE DEMOS AND DVD.

FINAL PROJECT

THE CLASS WILL DECIDE ON A GENERAL THEME FOR THE FINAL. ("cities" was voted as the theme for the quarter one class) FROM THERE WE WILL WORK IN GROUPS OF 2-4 PEOPLE AND EACH GROUP WILL FOCUS ON A DIFFERENT SUBJECT THAT IS A PART OF THE THEME. EXAMPLE: THE CLASS DECIDES THAT THE THEME WILL BE RAINFOREST. EACH GROUP WILL PROPOSE A SUBJECT THAT RELATES TO THAT TOPIC, SO ONE GROUP MAY DO TREES, ANOTHER MAY DO WILDLIFE, ETC… YOU WILL NEED REFERENCE FOR YOUR WORK. THE REFERENCE WILL NEED TO BE TURNED IN WITH THE USUAL RUBRIC, PROJECT DESCRIPTION SHEET AND SKETCH THAT IS DONE BEFORE BUILDING. (SKETCHES DONE AFTER CONSTRUCTION DO NOT COUNT)

FINAL PROJECTS WILL PRESENTED ON THE LAST DAY OF CLASS AND COUNTS FOR 20% OF YOUR GRADE SO DO YOUR BEST! EACH STUDENT WILL BE GRADED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE FINAL PROJECT.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Unfortunately our kiln has not been functional for the last two weeks and we are hoping it will be repaired before October. This has left us in a situation where we have not been able to complete assignments that have been built in class. Once the repairs have been made we will be catching up on firings and grades will be posted as soon as the assignments are completed. Sorry for the delay in being able to get an accurate sense of students' current grades. Any parents with questions or concerns are strongly encouraged to call or email anytime!

UPDATE: KILN IS ONCE AGAIN WORKING AS OF 9/29/09 AND FIRINGS HAVE BEGUN!

STUDENTS WILL EXPLORE AND LEARN THE ELEMENTS OF ART. WE WILL WORK ON VARIOUS PROJECTS THAT DEAL WITH:LINESHAPEFORMCOLORVALUE TEXTURE SPACE

THERE WILL BE A QUIZ BASED ON THE FIRST 6 WEEKS OR SO OF OUR STUDIES. THIS ENSURES THAT STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO SPEAK THE BASIC LANGUAGE OF THE VISUAL ARTS. STUDENTS WILL SIMPLY NEED TO BE ABLE TO DEFINE THE ELEMENTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

MY FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT EXPECTATION IS THAT YOU DO YOUR PERSONAL BEST. THERE ARE NO “WON’TS” OR “CAN’TS”.YOU WILL NEED TO GET A SKETCHBOOK THAT IS 81/2 X 11 OR LARGER. WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE GIVEN ON MONDAYS AND DUE ON FRIDAYS. THESE COUNT FOR 20% OF YOUR GRADE.

RESPECTFor class environment- Students are expected to arrive on time. Please be seated and ready for class to begin after the bell. The three strike policy is in effect. At your third tardiness without a valid pass, detentions begin. Talking about class-appropriate topics at your own table is fine unless it is disrupting to you, others or Mr. P. Music will be allowed in class when dialogues are not in progress. Feel free to bring in cd’s that are appropriate for school. Headphones are negotiable but they are a privilege, not a right.

For others- You are expected to extend common courtesy to others. Be helpful and pleasant. Never make fun of another student, or his/her artwork. Please make marks on your artwork only. Keep criticism constructive please.

For materials- Use materials only as directed. Do not use materials that you do not have permission from Mr. P for, some can be dangerous. Let’s not waste materials, they are expensive and often not easily replaced.

For Mr. P- Please ask before removing anything from Mr. P’s desk. Please be attentive when the class is being addressed. One cannot effectively talk and listen simultaneously.For time- Since we do not have a lot of time and setting up/cleaning up takes time, please use class time wisely. A large part of your grades are dependent on how you use your time. Never leave the room without a pass. Please remain seated until the bell rings, no lining up at the door.SAFETYDo not throw anythingAlways act with regard for safetyBe aware of evacuation proceduresCLEAN-UPIf you use it, put it away properly. If you spill it, wipe it up.Clean at least one quarter of the worktable each dayDo not leave a single thing on the table top (including eraser shreds, which you are expected to brush into the trash, not the floor)Put your chair up at the end of classNever leave anything in the sinkHAVE FUNThe goal of all my classes is to learn new skills and grow as an individual and an artist. If the above information is adhered to, we will have fun and learn at the same time. -remember, our focus is process before product.CLASSWORK=60%SKETCHBOOK=20%CLASS PARTICIPATION AND CONDUCT=20%

ONE WILL BE DURING SCHOOL (TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY OCT 2ND)THE SECOND WILL BE NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAY AT THE HARTFORD ART SCHOOL ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 3RD. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDERS SO THAT YOU ARE AVAIALBLE FOR THIS EVENT. SCHOOLS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY WILL BE ATTENDING WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OFFER ANYTHING FROM PRE-APPROVAL TO THE SCHOOL TO SCHOLORSHIPS.http://www.hartfordartschool.org/ FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

MOST COLLEGES WILL REQUIRE 15-20 PIECES OF ARTWORK IN A PORTFOLIO. WE WILL BE ATTEMPTING TO CREATE DOUBLE THAT AMOUNT IN THIS SEMESTER. ALL WORK SHOULD BE RECENT AND WITHOUT EXCEPTION, YOUR BEST WORK!

YOUR PORTFOLIO SHOULD CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:

WORK FROM OBSERVATIONWORK FROM REFERENCEWORK FROM IMAGINATION

YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING AS REQUIRED WORK FOR THE CLASS IN ADDITION TO OTHER WORKS YOU BELIEVE WILL BE MOST VALUABLE:o A SERIES (4-8 PIECES) ANY MEDIUMo A SELF PORTRAIT (DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TRADITIONAL)o A VARIETY OF MEDIA BOTH IN COLOR AND BLACK AND WHITE(PAINT, PENCIL, CHARCOAL, COLLAGE ETC)o WORK FROM THE FIGURE/ANATOMYo LANDSCAPE

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

MY FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT EXPECTATION IS THAT YOU DO YOUR PERSONAL BEST. THERE ARE NO “WON’TS” OR “CAN’TS”, IF YOU MAKE YOUR BEST EFFORT AND HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE THAT IS ALL I CAN ASK FOR.

YOU WILL NEED TO GET A SKETCHBOOK THAT IS 81/2 X 11 OR LARGER. WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE GIVEN ON MONDAYS AND DUE ON FRIDAYS. THESE COUNT FOR 20% OF YOUR GRADE. (for classes that are A1/A2 or B1/B2 assignments will be given and due the weeks that the class meets M/W/F)RESPECTFor class environment- Students are expected to arrive on time. Please be seated and ready for class to begin after the bell. The three strike policy is in effect. At your third tardiness without a valid pass, detentions begin. Talking about class-appropriate topics at your own table is fine unless it is disrupting to you, others or Mr. P. Music will be allowed in class when dialogues are not in progress. Feel free to bring in cd’s that are appropriate for school. Headphones are negotiable but they are a privilege, not a right.

For others- You are expected to extend common courtesy to others. Be helpful and pleasant. Never make fun of another student, or his/her artwork. Please make marks on your artwork only. Keep criticism constructive please.

For materials- Use materials only as directed. Do not use materials that you do not have permission from Mr. P for, some can be dangerous. Let’s not waste materials, they are expensive and often not easily replaced.

For Mr. P- Please ask before removing anything from Mr. P’s desk. Please be attentive when the class is being addressed. One cannot effectively talk and listen simultaneously.

For time- Since we do not have a lot of time and setting up/cleaning up takes time, please use class time wisely. A large part of your grades are dependent on how you use your time. Never leave the room without a pass. Please remain seated until the bell rings, no lining up at the door.SAFETYDo not throw anythingAlways act with regard for safetyBe aware of evacuation proceduresCLEAN-UPIf you use it, put it away properly. If you spill it, wipe it up.Clean at least one quarter of the worktable each dayDo not leave a single thing on the table top (including eraser shreds, which you are expected to brush into the trash, not the floor)Put your chair up at the end of classNever leave anything in the sinkHAVE FUNThe goal of all my classes is to learn new skills and grow as an individual and an artist. If the above information is adhered to, we will have fun and learn at the same time. -remember, our focus is process before product. You will be graded on your effort, first and foremost.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

STUDENTS WILL USE A TEMPLATE BASED ON ALBRECHT DURER'S RHINOCEROS. TRACE THE TEMPLATE ONTO A SHEET OF PAPER AND FIND A MINIMUM OF 7 ELEMENTS (AS MANY MORE AS YOU MAY NEED) TO REPRESNET THE VARIOUS SHAPES THAT MAKE UP THE RHINO. THE ELEMENTS ALL NEED TO BE RELATED IN SOME WAY. THE ARRANGEMENT MAY BE VERY SURREALISTIC AS IN THE WORK OF RENE MAGRITTE AND SALVADOR DALI.

EX: USE VARIOUS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES LIKE WATERMELON, APPLE, ORANGE, GRAPES ETC...

FINAL PIECE WILL BE IN FULL COLOR USING WATERCOLORS AND COLORED PENCIL ON WATERCOLOR PAPER. BACKGROUND WILL REMAIN WHITE TO ENHANCE THE SHAPE OF THE RHINO.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Industrial design is an applied art whereby the aesthetics and usability of mass-produced products may be improved for marketability and production. The role of an Industrial Designer is to create and execute design solutions towards problems of form, usability, user ergonomics, engineering, marketing, brand development and sales.Industrial design has a focus in the area of manufactured objects used by people on a daily basis. By developing products that are innovative, useful, safe, aesthetically appropriate, and socially and culturally sensitive, the industrial design profession serves the needs of society, consumers, and manufacturers.

This will be a two part assignment:You will begin by choosing an object and begin sketching ideas on how to improve it. Once sketches have been approved you will go ahead andA) build a three dimensional version with white clay and glaze itB) create a finished 12x 18 black and white or single color illustration of the object. This drawing should use lines that are as specific and deliberate as possible. Line quality will be crucial in communicating your ideas. The drawing must include a person for scale as well.

Friday, April 17, 2009

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT YOUR 3 FAVORITE PRODUCTS/DEVICES ARE. IT COULD BE SOMETHING TECHNOLOGICAL LIKE AN MP3 PLAYER, A FAVORITE CHAIR, SUITCASE ETC... LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS ENTRY THAT LIST YOUR 3 CHOICES. THIS WILL APPLY TO OUR NEXT ASSIGNMENT. (IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY A FOLLOWER OF THE BLOG YOU MUST BECOME ONE. LINK IS ON THE UPPER LEFT SIDE OF THE PAGE)

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

WHAT WOULD THE 16TH CENTURY (1503-1506) MONA LISA LOOK LIKE IN THE 21ST CENTURY? THAT IS THE QUESTION THAT THIS ASSIGNMENT SEEKS TO ANSWER.

STUDENTS WILL CREATE A 16 X 20 ACRYLIC PAINTING DEPICTING WHAT THEY THINK THE MONA LISA MIGHT LOOK LIKE IF SHE WAS PAINTED IN OUR CURRENT DAY. STUDENTS MAY CHOOSE TO DEAL WITH A TOPIC LIKE COMMERCIALISM, THE ENVIRONMENT, OBESITY ETC...

THE FINAL IMAGE SHOULD STILL BE INSTANTLY RECOGNIZABLE AS THE MONA LISA AND STUDENTS SHOULD TRY TO INCORPORATE AS MANY ELEMENTS FROM THE PAINTING IN THEIR WORK AS POSSIBLE.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Josh Middleton is an excellent illustrator who mostly does covers for DC Comics. The March 29, 2009 entry is an excellent example of the process that goes into creating a finished drawing. Check it out if you have time, this guy is such a skillful artist:

Friday, April 3, 2009

an outline, sketch, or plan, as of the form and structure of a work of art, an edifice, or a machine to be executed or constructed.

organization or structure of formal elements in a work of art; composition.

DESIGN CLASS WILL EXPLORE A VARIETY OF FIELDS INCLUDING FASHION, ARCHICTECTURE, INDUSTRIAL, AND TATTOO DESIGN. STUDENTS WILL CREATE A VISUAL IDENTITY BY DESIGNING THEIR OWN LETTERHEAD AND BUSINESS CARDS.

PART OF THE FINAL PROJECT FOR THIS CLASS WILL BE A FINAL CRITIQUE OF THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE FROM THE FIRST PROJECT TO THE LAST. PLEASE SAVE ALL ARTWORK FOR THIS FINAL CRITIQUE.

THERE WILL BE CRITIQUES THROUGHOUT THE CLASS AS WELL AS THE FINAL EVALUATION.

THE CLASS WILL BE FUN AND CHALLENGING. IF TIME ALLOWS, WE WILL BE HAVING A FIELD TRIP AS PART OF THE CLASS.

Friday, March 20, 2009

For all students going on the NYC field trip, this will be your sketchbook assignment. (for both Drawing and Painting as well as Advanced Art)

Go to the 2nd or 3rd of the following 4 links and choose one artist. Please read completely and answer the questions. (many of which will simply ask for your opinion/impression of the work) Along with this please bring your sketchbook and a pencil (no other materials) to the Guggenheim and create a sketch of the piece you chose. Any other sketches you want to do will count as extra credit.

The 1st and 4th link are excellent info ann may enhance your enjoyment of the field trip. This will be a great experience for you all and I am looking forward to us all going to have fun and learn a few things!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

On Wed. 3/25, I am going to plan on taking a group of 43 students from my classes to NYC and visit the Guggenheim museum which has an outstanding exhibit right now. We will have lunch in midtown Manhatten and then move on to the museum at 2.

This trip will leave at 8a.m. and return by 8p.m. Permission slips and $$ must be turned in to Mr P. by Monday the 16th or I will have to (gulp!) cancel the trip. Cost is $33.50 for transportation and museum entry. Just bring lunch $!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

THE 2009 ENTRIES ARE IN THE MAIL AND IT IS A TRUELY EXCELLENT GROUP OF PAINTINGS! I WILL BE ANNOUNCING WINNERS IN THE SECOND WEEK OF MAY. I AM VERY PROUD OF ALL THE WORK THAT WAS ENTERED THIS YEAR! GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

CERAMICS CLASS WILL HAVE A QUIZ ON MONDAY 2/9. THERE ARE 12 TERMS ON THE QUIZ THAT WERE REVIEWED IN CLASS FROM THE HANDOUT THAT WAS DISTRIBUTED ON TUESDAY. ALL TERMS MUST BE DEFINED IN THE STUDENT'S WORDS AND NOT MEMORIZED. NO TRICK QUESTIONS!!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO SEE EXAMPLES OF JIM DINE'S WORK. ONE OF IS HIS MORE WELL KNOWN SERIES FOCUSES ON BATHROBES. LMC HAS AN EXCELLENT BOOK CALLED, JIM DINE: SOME DRAWINGS THAT MAY ALSO BE USEFUL!OUR FIRST SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENT WILL BE REFERENCING DINE'S WORK SO PLEASE LOOK CAREFULLY. HE HAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF VARIETY IN HIS WORK AND HAPPENS TO BE MY PERSONAL FAVORITE ARTIST. ENJOY!!

THE DRAWING AND PAINTING CLASS WILL FOCUS ON VARIOUS DRAWING MEDIA, AS WELL AS ACRYLIC PAINT. STUDENTS WILL DRAW FROM LIFE AS WELL AS REFERENCES AND IMAGINATION.

THERE WILL BE TWO CONTESTS THAT STUDENTS WILL ENTER IN THIS CLASS:MASSACHUSETTS JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST9 X 12 ACRYLIC PAINTING

2010 DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE CREATE AN AD

THERE WILL BE A UNIT ON MURAL PAINTING IN WHICH STUDENTS WILL WORK IN GROUPS ON MURALS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL.

STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SKETCHBOOK FOR WEEKLY SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENTS. (9 X 12 OR LARGER)

GRADING WILL BE BASED ON THE CLASS RUBRIC AND FOCUSES ON PROCESS BEFORE PRODUCT.CLASSWORK WILL COUNT FOR 60% OF YOUR GRADESKETCHBOOK WILL COUNT FOR 20% OF YOUR GRADEFINAL PROJECT WILL COUNT FOR 20% OF YOUR GRADE

I AM AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR HELP ANYTIME DURING THE SCHOOL DAY AS WELL AS AFTERSCHOOL EVERY WEDNESDAY AND MOST TUESDAYS AND/OR THURSDAYS.

IN ADVANCED ART WE WILL BE WORKING WITH A VARIETY OF TECHNIQUES AND MEDIA. WE WILL BE ENTERING TWO CONTESTS.

EXPLORATION WILL INCLUDE:

PEN AND INK TECHNIQUES SUCH AS STIPPLING AND CROSSHATCHING. WE WILL EXPLORE USING PENS AS WELL AS CROW QUILLS AND BRUSH.

PERSPECTIVE WILL BE USED IN ONE PROJECT THAT WILL REQUIRE THE USE OF STRONG AND SPECIFIC CRAFTSMANSHIP.

CONCEPTUAL WORK WILL BE A FOCUS AS STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN A CONCEPT AND EXPECTED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE USE OF CREATIVITY AND ACCURATE RESEARCH.

STUDENTS WILL WORK WITH CHOOSING MASTER PAINTINGS TO BASE THEIR WORK ON FOR AT LEAST ONE ASSIGNMENT. THERE WILL BE A FOCUS ON MIXING AND APPLYING COLORS ACCURATELY.

WEEKLY SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENTS WILL COUNT AS 20% OF THE FINAL GRADE. ONE HOUR OF WORK IS THE MINIMUM THAT WILL BE EXPECTED FOR EACH ASSIGNMENT. STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO HAVE A 9X12 OR LARGER SKETCHBOOK. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED, BUT WILL DROP A LETTER GRADE EACH DAY THEY ARE LATE.

THERE WILL BE A FINAL PROJECT THAT WILL INVOLVE WRITING AS WELL AS CREATING A PIECE OF ARTWORK. THIS WILL COUNT FOR 20% OF STUDENTS’ FINAL GRADE AS WELL.

MY FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT EXPECTATION IS THAT YOU DO YOUR PERSONAL BEST. THERE ARE NO “WON’TS” OR “CAN’TS”, IF YOU MAKE YOUR BEST EFFORT AND HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE THAT IS ALL I CAN ASK FOR.

YOU WILL NEED TO GET A SKETCHBOOK THAT IS 81/2 X 11 OR LARGER. WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE GIVEN ON MONDAYS AND DUE ON FRIDAYS. THESE COUNT FOR 20% OF YOUR GRADE. (for classes that are A1/A2 or B1/B2 assignments will be given and due the weeks that the class meets M/W/F)RESPECTFor class environment- Students are expected to arrive on time. Please be seated and ready for class to begin after the bell. The three strike policy is in effect. At your third tardiness without a valid pass, detentions begin. Talking about class-appropriate topics at your own table is fine unless it is disrupting to you, others or Mr. P. Music will be allowed in class when dialogues are not in progress. Feel free to bring in cd’s that are appropriate for school. Headphones are negotiable but they are a privilege, not a right.

For others- You are expected to extend common courtesy to others. Be helpful and pleasant. Never make fun of another student, or his/her artwork. Please make marks on your artwork only. Keep criticism constructive please.

For materials- Use materials only as directed. Do not use materials that you do not have permission from Mr. P for, some can be dangerous. Let’s not waste materials, they are expensive and often not easily replaced.

For Mr. P- Please ask before removing anything from Mr. P’s desk. Please be attentive when the class is being addressed. One cannot effectively talk and listen simultaneously.

For time- Since we do not have a lot of time and setting up/cleaning up takes time, please use class time wisely. A large part of your grades are dependent on how you use your time. Never leave the room without a pass. Please remain seated until the bell rings, no lining up at the door.SAFETYDo not throw anythingAlways act with regard for safetyBe aware of evacuation proceduresCLEAN-UPIf you use it, put it away properly. If you spill it, wipe it up.Clean at least one quarter of the worktable each dayDo not leave a single thing on the table top (including eraser shreds, which you are expected to brush into the trash, not the floor)Put your chair up at the end of classNever leave anything in the sinkHAVE FUNThe goal of all my classes is to learn new skills and grow as an individual and an artist. If the above information is adhered to, we will have fun and learn at the same time. -remember, our focus is process before product. You will be graded on your effort, first and foremost.